Benin are winless in three matches, while Mauritania have won two of their last three head-to-head meetings: prediction for Benin vs Mauritania
The second-round qualifying match for the Africa Cup of Nations between Benin and Mauritania will take place on September 29 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Côte d’Ivoire. Benin began their qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso, while Mauritania picked up three points by beating the Central African Republic 3-1.
Benin: a home match that will effectively be played at a neutral venue
In the opening round, Benin earned a point from their match against Burkina Faso, with the game ending 1-1. However, the draw extended the team’s winless run to three matches.
The fact that their nominal home match will be played outside the country, in Côte d’Ivoire, adds to the challenge. Benin have suffered five defeats in their last ten matches, so the team are clearly still lacking consistency.
Mauritania: a confident start and a strong head-to-head record
Mauritania made a far more productive start to qualifying, beating the Central African Republic 3-1. Before that, the team drew 1-1 with Angola, meaning they head into this trip unbeaten in their last two matches.
The head-to-head record also deserves attention. Mauritania have won two of their last three matches against Benin, keeping clean sheets in both victories.
Match facts and head-to-head meetings
- Benin are winless in their last three matches.
- Mauritania have won two of their last three meetings with Benin.
- In the opening round, Mauritania beat the Central African Republic 3-1.
The neutral venue could work in the visitors’ favor: prediction for Benin vs Mauritania
Benin are officially the home team, but the lack of a genuine home advantage could significantly influence the nature of the match. The team have gone several games without a win and have yet to look sufficiently consistent.
Mauritania, by contrast, made a strong start to qualifying and have a good head-to-head record against this opponent. With the teams closely matched, the visitors could benefit from their current momentum and Benin’s lack of a full home advantage.
